Update: 05.18

We made it to our appointment at the embassy today which was kind of different than what I expected and only took about half of an hour.  There were two other families there for visa appointments and we all waited together.  They called us up to the window individually and asked us to swear that the information provided was true and to review the information as it would appear on Sasha's visa.  Then we sat down and waited for the visas to be printed.  In the mean time a lady came out to talk to us about what to expect when we land in the U.S. and to answer questions.  Considering it was an embassy appointment it was much more casual than I thought it would be.  It was also interesting talking to the other two families.   Surprisingly, each family there today was adopting a girl.  Our facilitator told us that prior to the current situation between Russian and U.S. adoptions it was normal to see 10-15 families with appointments at one time.  In prior years it was up to as many as 40+ families.  Considering the large number of children needing families, it's sad that there were only three families there today. 

We left the embassy with Sasha's passport and visa in hand.  She officially is ready to return to her new home in the U.S.A.  This probably has been the most excited we've felt since we've been here.  She not only is ours but she can now go home.  For some reason we find a lot of peace and finality with today's appointment.  When we get off the plane and go through customs they will put a stamp on her passport.  This stamp officially makes Sasha a U.S. citizen.  Interestingly, she will have dual citizenship her entire life.  It's up to her once she's 18 to renounce her Russian citizenship if she so chooses.  If she ever wishes to return to Russia to visit she will need to apply for and travel on an updated Russian passport.

Up to now I would say each day has gone pretty good and we are establishing a family relationship with Sasha.  However each day this week we would start watching the clock after dinner and anxiously waited for bed time to arrive.  Today was the first day that I think I can say we actually enjoyed her.  It was fun watching her play and playing with her.  It was fun doing our typical bed time routine and watching her anticipate what comes next.  It was nice taking her to dinner and  listening to her squeal and giggle at herself in the mirror next to our table.  It's encouraging when we hear an English word come out of her mouth.  We were proud "showing her off" in a sense to the other couples at the embassy.  It was comforting to begin to anticipate her next moves.  I think with biological children the firsts come along over time and you can cherish each one.  For us today was an opportunity to cherish some of Sasha's "firsts" in a sense.  I think we actually felt like her parents today and not just some couple from the states that came to Russia to get a child.     

I must admit that the morning started off with a bit of a disaster though.  We went to the cafe for coffee and Sasha was doing great.  I had some stickers that she was playing with while Matt and I sat and enjoyed our much needed coffees.  We were just about finished when it happened.....she got moving around and knocked my coffee over.  It spilled right into my purse and of course I didn't have the zipper closed.  Needless to say we came back and I wiped down my purse as best I could but I think it will forever have the scent of caramel syrup from my latte.  I'm sure this won't be the last time we experience a moment like this either.